I carefully extricated myself from Robb's arms and put on my riding clothes. It was still dark out, but the sun would be rising shortly, giving me just enough time to ride out before anyone would be awake to stop me.

Despite losing my father and sister in the woods, I still enjoyed riding through them. I was not afraid of wildlings, especially now that I had Grey Wind to accompany me.

When I came down the stairs, the direwolf was already looking up at me. His brothers and sisters were together, making a bit of noise at my arrival. They seemed happy to see me and jealous that Grey Wind was the only one I was taking.

He moved quietly at my side as I got Chimera out of his stall. He always seemed to give a disdainful look to Grey Wind as though the direwolf were not necessary, but still gave the wolf a wide berth, conscious not to upset him.

"Come along, boys," I whispered as Chimera trotted next to me.

Grey Wind felt the need to inspect something for a moment, so I left him, knowing he would soon catch up. As I turned the corner, I stopped dead in my tracks, pulling Chimera to stop as well.

"My lord, I am so sorry," I exclaimed. We had nearly trampled Tyrion Lannister.

"I am hard to keep track of down here," Tyrion returned. "Going for an early morning ride?"

I nodded, "Yes."

"With one of the horses of the plains."

I grinned at Chimera, my brother's former horse and wedding present to me. "Yes, Chimera is magnificent."

"Chimera?" Tyrion laughed. "Do all you northerners prefer to be surrounding by mythical beasts?"

I grinned, thinking of the creature still sniffing around the stables behind me. "Are you sure mythical is the appropriate word? You have seen the direwolves, haven't you?"

Tyrion opened his hand to me, "Touche. Is that quite safe without someone to accompany you?"

"Well, I do have a companion." The words were barely out of my mouth when Grey Wind sauntered next to me, baring his teeth. "Grey Wind, he is a friend!"

The direwolf begrudgingly closed his lips over his teeth, but he did take a seat just a few steps in front of me, safely between Tyrion and myself. I shook my head at Grey Wind, but I knew he only meant to protect me. In a choice between Robb and myself, the direwolf always placed himself in front of Robb, but when he was with me alone, Grey Wind was just as protective.

"Your direwolf does not seem to believe you," Tyrion replied, trying to force an amused smile although he seemed somewhat uneasy.

"He is my husband's direwolf," I explained. "And although I know he will do you no harm, he does not heed me the way he does Robb."

The direwolf looked back at me aloofly and then returned his gaze to Tyrion.

"I am sure he only means to protect you."

"And I am sure you mean me no harm," I returned, surprised to find that I truly believed that despite my dream last night.

"No, I do not. But truly, is the direwolf enough?"

I pulled back the blanket around Chimera to reveal a bow.

Tryion smiled at me, "Full of surprises, Lady Stark."

"Oh, we have so many secrets in the mythical North."

"Enjoy your ride."

I smiled and gave a small curtsy to him. "My lord."

"My lady."

Chimera charged out of the gates with Grey Wind close on his heels. The wind whipped through my hair and face, forcing my eyes open and banishing the daze my dream had caused.

I am in Winterfell, Robb is not yet at war, and we have time. It was a mantra that I kept repeating in my head.

When we arrived in the clearing, I dismounted, surveying the area. Robb and I spent a lot of time alone here, or with others when our brothers seemed determined to ruin our fun. Chimera sniffed at the grass, finding various spots that were interesting enough to graze on, and I sat in the middle of the clearing.

The trees threw the light from the rising sun in shades of gold, yellow, and red. Looking around the clearing, I felt calmer. I basked in the warmth for a few moments before taking out my journal.

Grey Wind dropped into my lap, his eyes darting around the perimeter of the clearing. I appreciated his concern, but for once, I wished the direwolf would treat me like he did Robb and simply sit or stand next to me, not on me.

I gave up and used his shoulders as a table to write down my dream, trying to place where we were and the timeline. Robb looked about the same as he did now, perhaps a bit older. His armor was not yet battle tested, his expression still hopeful, and his eyes resolute. This must have been early in the confrontation. A hole started to grow in the pit of my stomach as I realized that we would likely be at war for a long time.

A rustle in the brush stole me from my thoughts. Grey Wind was on his feet growling, and almost as swiftly, I had my bow and arrow loaded. I saw something brown in the distance and let fly my arrow. Almost as soon as I did, the direwolf sat down and looked back at me. I realized as my arrow hit the target that I was protecting myself from a terrifying rabbit.

"Yes, yes, I know," I sighed as though the direwolf was questioning me.

The sun kissed the top of the trees, telling me I had been out here far longer than anticipated. Robb would not begin to worry for a bit longer, but I had made a promise to Lady Catelyn to be on my best behavior, and this was not my best behavior.

With that in mind, I attempted to take a lesser used exit and naturally ran into Lord Eddard and the king. My wide-eyed expression told the Lord of Winterfell of my surprise and hope to avoid all guests of importance. His kind eyes suggested that he did not mind, however.

"Are you sure you should be riding that hulking beast?" the king asked with a gruff laugh.

I returned the chuckle, "Oh, Chimera is softer than he looks."

The stallion stood tall as the king reached out to him with a smile. I dismounted and stood next to the men.

"Your people have always been known for their horses. We have a few in King's Landing," the king stated.

I nodded, "Yes, they are impressive although Chimera is one of the finest of all."

The proud smile was etched on my face as I looked at the black stallion. He seemed just as proud.

"And this is one of the direwolves?" the king asked.

I introduced him to Grey Wind, who stood in front of me. "He is Robb's."

Lord Eddard looked at me with a smile, "He's very protective of you."

"I wonder where he gets it from."

As though he heard my reference, Robb appeared. He seemed to breath a quick sigh of relief when he saw me, his expression relaxing.

"Hello, Robb," the king greeted him.

"Your grace," he returned and walked towards us.

"I was just introducing the king to Grey Wind," I explained as the direwolf walked towards Robb and positioned himself next to his master.

Robb laughed with slight embarrassment, "I apologize if he was not as friendly as he should be. His instincts gravitate towards looking after my wife and me."

"He was quite protective during our ride. A terrifying rabbit rustled in the brush."

"Did he save you from this vicious creature?"

"I saved myself."

Robb grinned, looking at Grey Wind. "You shall have to move faster than her arrow."

"Arrow?" The king raised an eyebrow.

"Not only did I gain a daughter," Lord Eddard spoke up. "I gained an archer."

He smiled warmly as my husband gave his approval with a look. A smile crept across my face as well. I was happy that I'd found a family that appreciated my unconventional talents. The king seemed most amused.

"Excellent! She shall help protect the castle while you are in King's Landing," the king added.

Robb's and my smiles started to fade, replaced with furrowed eyebrows. We looked between each other, asking silently if the other knew what the king referred to.

"Oh, you have not spoken with your family about this?" the king surmised.

"No," Eddard replied. "We haven't made our decisions yet. I trust you two will keep this to yourselves until I discuss this fully with your mother."

"Of course," Robb and I replied.

"You had both better be on your way," Eddard added.

Robb and I nodded. I picked up the reigns, leading Chimera, as Robb and Grey Wind fell into step with us. I glanced to my side, seeing various thoughts play through Robb's expressions. I gave him time to think, but all that was going through my mind was the knowledge that everything was about to change.